Bill Gates denies wrongdoing in testimony over Epstein ties

WASHINGTON: Bill Gates told US lawmakers on Wednesday that he “never victimised anyone” as he faced questioning over his past relationship with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Gates appeared before the House Oversight Committee for a closed-door transcribed interview examining his contacts with Epstein, who died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges involving underage girls.

In prepared testimony released on his personal website, Gates said he never witnessed or had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal activity.

“I never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct. I never went to his island, his ranch, or his Florida home. I have never victimised anyone,” Gates said.

The billionaire philanthropist described his association with Epstein as “a grave error in judgement” and apologised for any legitimacy his interactions may have given the financier.

“If the time I spent with Epstein lent him any credibility, I am deeply sorry,” he stated.

The committee requested Gates’ testimony after documents released by the US Justice Department raised renewed questions about his contacts with Epstein. Several other prominent figures, including former US President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, have also appeared before the panel.

Lawmakers noted that inclusion in Epstein-related documents does not, by itself, indicate criminal wrongdoing.

Among the documents is a 2013 draft email in which Epstein appeared to suggest he had assisted Gates in dealing with issues arising from extramarital affairs, including obtaining antibiotics after a sexually transmitted infection. Gates has denied the allegations and described the email as fabricated.

According to media reports, Gates acknowledged to foundation staff that he had affairs with two Russian women but denied spending time with any of Epstein’s victims.

Gates testified that he was introduced to Epstein in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida to soliciting a minor for prostitution.

He said Epstein claimed he could help attract wealthy donors to global health initiatives through his network of clients and contacts.

“I recall being aware that Epstein had faced prior legal issues, but I did not fully understand the extent of the crimes he committed. I accepted the introduction without applying the scrutiny I should have,” Gates told the committee.

According to Gates, his interactions with Epstein ended in December 2014 after it became clear that none of the potential donors identified by the financier were interested in supporting his charitable initiatives.

“I told him we would go no further and stopped communicating or meeting with him,” he said.

Reports have indicated that Gates’ former wife, Melinda French Gates, expressed concerns about Epstein as early as 2013. However, Gates reportedly maintained contact with Epstein for at least another year. Melinda French Gates, who divorced Gates in 2021, has said questions regarding the relationship should be answered by Gates and others involved.

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During his testimony, Gates said Epstein later became aware of details about his personal life, including his infidelity, and attempted to use that information to pressure him into re-establishing contact.

“He sought to use information about my infidelities — in addition to many lies that he layered on top — to pressure me to re-engage with him. He was unsuccessful in this effort,” Gates said.

The House Oversight Committee is investigating Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell as part of a broader review of how US authorities handled the case and the release of related government records.

The inquiry has also drawn attention to the past relationship between Epstein and US President Donald Trump. Democrats on the committee have said they intend to examine what Gates knew about Epstein’s crimes and the full extent of their association.

Unlike several previous committee interviews, Gates’ testimony was not videotaped. US media reported that he retained former Justice Department lawyer John Moran and received preparation assistance from former congressional investigator Jake Greenberg ahead of the hearing.